Wireless Spending Card with Display for Dynamic Account Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for consumers to access debit/credit card information and for financial institutions to communicate offers are inconvenient and costly, primarily relying on phone, mail, and internet.

Innovation Solution

A wirelessly updated consumer spending card with integrated components such as a processor, memory module, displays, and a transceiver configured to receive account information over a cellular network, allowing for dynamic display of account details and biometric security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers use traditional methods (phone, mail, internet) to access account information, then information can be accessed, but convenience is poor and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of accessing account informationVSAvoidtime required to access account information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The card system enables consumers to access their own account information autonomously through the card's display and wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for customer service interactions. The card automatically retrieves and displays account data when presented at a terminal, providing self-service functionality that improves convenience and reduces time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical communication methods (phone calls, physical mail) with electronic and wireless communication systems. The card uses wireless transceivers to communicate account information electronically, substituting the mechanical/physical processes with faster electronic data transmission, thereby improving both convenience and reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If financial institutions use traditional communication methods (phone, mail, internet) to reach consumers, then marketing information can be delivered, but costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery of marketing information to consumersVSAvoidcost of communicating with consumers

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The card system allows financial institutions to push marketing and account information directly to the consumer's card, which then displays it autonomously. This eliminates the need for institutions to expend resources on phone calls, mailings, or internet communications, as the card itself serves as the communication medium, significantly reducing energy costs while ensuring information delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The card serves multiple functions: it acts as both a payment instrument and a communication device for delivering marketing information. By integrating these functions into a single platform, the system eliminates the need for separate communication channels, reducing overall costs while improving information delivery efficiency to consumers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a wirelessly updated card with display and transceiver is implemented, then convenience and information access improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to account information on cardVSAvoidcomplexity of card system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (payment processing, wireless communication, information display, and data storage) into a single integrated card system. By merging these previously separate components into one device, the system improves ease of operation while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The card is designed as a multi-functional device that performs payment transactions, receives wireless updates, displays information, and stores data. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or systems, improving convenience while containing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8820638B1System and methods related to an available balance debit/credit card

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

A wirelessly updated consumer spending card includes a spending card housing, a memory module on the spending card housing, a processor module on the spending card housing in operable communication with the memory module, an output display on the spending card housing in operable communication with the processor, a transceiver on the spending card housing operable for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data across a metropolitan area in operable communication with the processor and display, and a power source on the spending card housing in operable connectivity to the memory, processor, transceiver and display. The card may further include a biometric input device on the spending card housing in operable communication with the processor.